The AKP-majority in parliament passes a restrictive Internet censorship bill despite opposition parties and international outcry.

President Abdullah Gul declines to veto the measure, disappointing many who hoped he would be a moderating influence in the months to come.

American President Barack Obama to skip Turkey in March trip to Europe and Saudi Arabia. The skip is indicative of the cooling relations between the president and Prime Minister Erdogan over a number of issues.

TPAO declines investment in Iran for now, while talks on a pipeline deal in the Eastern Mediterranean and a détente between Turkey, Cyprus and Israel appears mutually beneficial.

Iraqi Kurdistan connects pipeline to Turkish system, enraging a Baghdad already beset by a Sunni insurgency in Iraq"s western province. Turkey is collecting the KRG"s oil, but has refused to sell it on international markets until an accord is reached.